Patent No. 5551879 Dream state teaching machine

 

Patent No. 5551879

Dream state teaching machine (Raynie, et al., Sep 3, 1996)

Abstract

A device for enhancing lucidity in the dream state of an individual. The device includes electronic circuitry incorporated into a headband for the user to wear while sleeping. The circuitry includes a detector for fitting adjacent to the eye of the sleeping individual, for detecting Rapid Eye Movement (REM), which occurs during the dream state. The detector emits a signal that is evaluated by additional circuitry to determine whether or not REM sleep is occurring. If REM sleep is occurring, a signal is generated to operate a recorded, which typically plays prerecorded messages through the headphones engaging the ear of the sleeping individual.

Notes:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A device for aiding and inducing lucid dream states through detecting REM sleep and providing a prerecorded message responsive to the dream state without waking the sleeping individual.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lucid dreaming is the ability to be aware of the experience of dreaming, while in a dream state. This phenomenon occurs when an individual in the dream state, and without awakening, realizes that he/she is dreaming.

During "lucid dreams" the individual is remarkably wakeful--although still asleep. The individual can reason clearly, remember freely, signal that he/she is conscious, and may even change the plot of his/her dream if so desired. The natural and spontaneous occurrence of this phenomenon has been reported by different individuals throughout history. To this date, there is little controversy about the "reality" of lucid dreaming.

In the recent past, lucid dreaming has been the subject of scientific inquiry and validation by different scientists. Dr. Stephen Laberge, Director of the Sleep Research Center of the Stanford University School of Medicine, has contributed to the popularization and understanding of this phenomenon. An important contribution by Dr. Laberge is that lucid dreaming can be taught to any individual willing to be trained and motivated enough to practice diligently. Dr. Laberge reported about this ability in his paper: "Lucid Dreaming as a Learnable Skill: A Case Study" Perceptual and Motor Skills, (1980) 51, 1039-1042.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for detection of rapid eye movement (REM) during sleep to help induce lucid dreaming. More specifically, a dream state detection device described herein provides a mechanism whereby REM is detected during sleep, and, using a prerecorded cuing message, the user is taught to recognize the dream state and become lucid whenever it occurs.

Becoming lucid while dreaming is in itself an exhilarating experience and may be used for educational purposes. The problem with lucidity is it often happens on its own with little or no means of consciously inducing or controlling this state while dreaming.

It is applicants' objective to offer a device that will not only help induce the lucid state during REM sleep, but will also provide a means to direct a desired scenario and provide learning opportunities. The REM state of sleep offers a benefit for learning for, in learning to become lucid in REM sleep, one may also learn to utilize this dream state to experience any desired situation, to modify behavior, or to further enhance their personal evolution.

PRIOR ART

Different methods and techniques have been developed to help the induction of lucid dreaming. These include chemical compounds, like DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol), exercises in self awareness (visualization and meditation), and sensory stimulation (auditory, visual or tactile stimulation). These technologies and its results have been reported by Laberge in his book "Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming" published by Ballantine Books in 1990.

Chemical: W. Sergio published an article entitled "Use of DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) in the Induction of Lucid Dreams" Medical Hypotheses (1988), 26, 255-257. In this report, Sergio maintains the use of this food supplement aided in the induction of lucid dreaming by holding the user at a higher level of consciousness while sleeping.

Self Awareness: Several techniques using visualization and meditation have shown to be quite successful, as Paul Tholey reported in "Techniques for Inducing and Manipulating Lucid Dreams" Perceptual and Motor Skills, (1983), 57, 79-90.

Sensory Stimulation: Experiments have previously been conducted with apparatus-induced lucid dreams whereby the dreamers' senses are stimulated through visual, audible, or tactile stimulation, such as electric shock or vibration. All three methods have generated promising test results in the lab, as Stephen Laberge reported in "Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming" Ballantine Books: New York (1990). A lucid dream-inducing apparatus presently available to the public has been developed by Stephen Laberge. His apparatus uses small LEDs positioned in a mask which, when REM is detected, flash in front of the eyes. This visual stimulation can be perceived by the sleeper as a cue to become lucid. The use of one's own voice in which the sleeping mind's "unconscious mind" is accustomed to is more accepted in the dream state. Lucid Dreaming, S. Laberge, (1986), pp. 161-162. The desired message is induced into the user wearable device by pressing a button located on our device and speaking into one of the earphones. Example: "John, you are dreaming. Check for reality cues." Other specific instructions, commands, or suggestions can be entered leading the dreamer into a desired situation.

The volume of one's own voice used as a cue or to instruct the dreamer is controlled by the user. The volume control is also designed to emit at a frequency below normal hearing range. "The Effects of an Auditory Subliminal Message Upon the Production of Images and Dreams" The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, (1986), Vol. 174, No. 7, pp. 397-407.

Research data on subliminal input advocates cognitive retention of information induced by subliminal means, even when induced at a high speed. In the dream state, the mind is more receptive to what it is told, even at the subliminal level. Some users may be more receptive than others; therefore, the subliminal input has been left as an option for the user.

What few devices of prior art that are available have focused on waking up the dreamer at some time after REM is detected. The stimuli associated with these methods would resemble that of an alarm clock. At best, a sound and/or lights may be utilized to arouse the dreamer from the dream state to an awakened state.

Applicants' device is superior to those of prior art, for applicants' teachings have far exceeded the concept of a REM alarm clock. Applicants' device is so designed that the user will not only become aware that he/she is dreaming without being awakened, but also having available to the dreamer predetermined instructions outlining a desired dream scenario. These instructions are orchestrated by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device comprises a dream (REM) determination circuit, an analog record and volume-controlled playback circuit, and a user-settable delay, allowing the individual to predetermine the time from determination of REM to the actual instant that the prerecorded message is relayed back to the user. This enables the user to use the device as an educational means and as a tool to gain the necessary fundamentals needed to be a proficient, lucid dreamer. An example of one of these fundamentals is dream recall. The device can be set with a delay of up to ten minutes. This amount of delay, coupled with a message aimed at awakening the dreamer from the dream, can, over a short time, build the necessary dream recall ability needed.

The REM detector and circuit is superior in that it checks for REM about once every minute and, therefore, is less likely to miss REM activity. It also has the capability of discriminating between right or left eye movement during the lucid sleep state. The eye position detection can be used by the lucid sleeper to control on-line communication peripherals or activate other devices associated with desired dream experiences. (See "Lucid Dream Verified By Volitional Communication During REM Sleep" Perceptual and Motor Skills, (1981) 52, 727-732.

The device is also equipped with a coupling jack, allowing further devices to be attached to work in conjunction with the main unit. One of these will be the interface with CD or audio tape. It will allow the use of advance technologies concerning hypnosis, relaxation, learning acceleration, subliminal messages, and others. These further developments would include a device that generates an oscillated tone aimed at controlling the stage of sleep the individual is in. An EEG machine has recorded such oscillation, and there, frequencies are related to the stages of waking and sleeping consciousness. The mind tends to match perceived oscillations such as this, allowing the device to put the user in the stage of sleep conducive to lucid dreaming.

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Although the invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the invention's particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalences that may be included in the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.